CALLS for transparency around the Port Stephens Animal Refuge continue, with community advocates and authorities publicly addressing allegations that euthanasia rates are double the state average.
Earlier this week, animal welfare advocate Callie Parnell raised concerns about Port Stephens Council’s lack of direct engagement.
She called for open dialogue and a more transparent process of presenting evidence.
Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst also called for an “immediate and transparent investigation” into the refuge, following whistleblower allegations.
“When credible concerns are raised about the welfare of animals in Council care, they must be treated with the utmost seriousness,” she said.
“There needs to be a transparent process where evidence can be properly examined and the community can have confidence that appropriate standards are being upheld.
“The welfare of these animals must come first, and any issues identified must be addressed without delay.”
In response, a Council spokesperson firmly rejected claims of wrongdoing.
“Port Stephens Council rejects any allegation of ‘unlawful’ operations at the Port Stephens Animal Refuge.
“All operations at the facility are conducted in accordance with the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979,” the spokesperson said.
Council confirmed that the Office of Local Government had requested information following allegations raised during a NSW Budget Estimates hearing in March, yet stressed that it does not constitute a formal investigation.
“Council is confident in its processes and has provided all requested information and is now awaiting a response.”
It said that no evidence had been formally submitted to substantiate the allegations and that it maintains individual records for every animal entering the facility and works actively with rescue groups to support rehoming outcomes.
“Council staff are highly competent, compassionate, take pride in their work and put the welfare of the animals first.
“The expiry of minimum statutory timeframes does not automatically result in the euthanasia of an animal.”
The spokesperson said that animals are often held beyond required timeframes, with ongoing efforts made to contact rescue organisations and secure rehoming opportunities.
Behaviour is monitored throughout their stay, and only animals subject to a dangerous animal order are unable to be rehomed.
“So far this year, 95 percent of animals taken to the Port Stephens Animal Facility have been rehomed.”
There has been increased promotion of adoption efforts, including maintaining a dedicated website, social media presence, and weekly posts to boost the visibility of animals in care.
Recent weeks have seen a surge in enquiries, prompting the introduction of an appointment system to manage visits and ensure staff availability.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure said the matter remains under preliminary review.
“Responsible pet ownership and improving animal welfare standards are important priorities for the NSW Government,” the spokesperson said.
“The Office of Local Government is making preliminary enquiries with Port Stephens Council to obtain its policies and procedures governing its Animal Refuge operation.
“Council has indicated it will cooperate and enquiries are ongoing.
“We take all allegations seriously and if evidence can be provided that operations of the animal refuge are not in accordance with regulations, we would like to have this brought to our attention.”
Suspected cases of animal cruelty that fall under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979, should be reported to the RSPCA or NSW Police.
By Jacie WHITFIELD
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
